Every year on May 21st , India observes National Anti-Terrorism Day to honour the memory of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who was assassinated in a terrorist attack on this day in 1991. The day is marked to raise awareness about the devastating effects of terrorism and to encourage unity, peace, and non-violence across the nation.
Government offices, public sector institutions, schools, and community groups observe the day by taking a formal anti-terrorism pledge to reject violence and support harmony.
Why it’s observed ?
Rajiv Gandhi was killed by a suicide bomber in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, in an attack carried out by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). In response, the Indian government declared May 21 as Anti-Terrorism Day to not only honour his memory but also to raise public consciousness about the risks and damage caused by terrorism.
The day is also a reminder to the youth to avoid being drawn into violence and extremist ideologies and instead embrace democratic and peaceful solutions to conflict.
In Hyderabad, the Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Yatra Commemoration Committee observed the day by paying floral tributes to Rajiv Gandhi. G. Niranjan, Chairman of the State Backward Classes Commission, led the event and administered the anti-terrorism pledge to participants.
A two-minute silence was observed in memory of Rajiv Gandhi and also for the 17 victims of the recent fire tragedy near Gulzar House. Niranjan urged the public to take personal responsibility for their surroundings and called on the government to fully investigate the fire.
He emphasized that while the government previously held official ceremonies with senior leaders participating in the pledge, this practice seems to have faded in recent years and needs to be revived.
Anti-Terrorism Day is also an opportunity to honour the countless victims of terrorism and to renew our collective effort to combat hate, extremism, and violence.
Across India, debates, seminars, and educational programs are held to teach younger generations about the value of peace and the costs of terror.
The national pledge reads:
We, the people of India, committed to our nation’s heritage of non-violence, pledge to oppose all forms of terrorism and violence. We promise to promote peace, harmony, and brotherhood among all Indians.
